Best Hydration Pack ....fer da frunt range

I'm curious about other people's experiences. I started off with a CB Mule, but didn't like how narrow it was (made it hard to get to things). I've been using a Dueter with about the same capacity as as the Mule but wider. Still kind of hard to get to everything, though.

Osprey

I really like the Osprey Raptor. They come in different sizes so they fit better. It doesn't bounce or move. The one grip I have is the chest strap doesn't stay tight but I fixed that with a plastic clip.

Ospreys seemed to be the #1 choice among the CT Race folks. I think their nicest feature is that it has that hammock support system so the pack doesn't actually touch or ride on your back like the CamelBak & clones. That said, I have a Camelbak Octane 8 that is the best CB I've ever had. I'll replace it with an Osprey when the time comes.

A man must have enemies and places he is not welcome. In the end we are not only defined by our friends but those against us.

For short rides I have a Mountain Smith waist pack and use water bottles. For 3-5ish hr rides, I still have the same cheap High Sierra pack I bought six 7 years ago when I first started biking. For long epics I use an 8 year old Kelty Zephyr hiking day pack. For me, it's no so much the pack, it's the bladder. I won't anything buy a Platypus bladder.

I started out with a CB blow fish - now I have a H.A.W.G NV. I like the size a lot better - of course now I always have a 12 pound pack on my back. Get a big pack and you end up carrying a lot of stuff around.

I started out with a CB blow fish - now I have a H.A.W.G NV. I like the size a lot better - of course now I always have a 12 pound pack on my back. Get a big pack and you end up carrying a lot of stuff around.

I bought a CB HAWG after not being happy with the lack of capacity in the Mule... but yeah, you do end up hauling a lot of stuff around, just because you can

I bought a Deuter (can't remember which one, but similar in size to the HAWG) and the hammock suspension thing rides up on the back of my neck... fine when I'm pedaling along, but as soon as I get out of the saddle on a downhill, I can't raise my head enough comfortably to see down the trail.

I've got an osprey talon and I was looking at osprey raptor for all day riding. I went with a north face klamath bag instead. I like the reservoir and valve on the north face bag better + comparable quality and features as osprey. Just used the bag at Moab it fit good, didn't move around digging the magnetic water line holder- prevents the valve getting caught on the handlebars.

modified raptor

I like the 10L Raptor....however I had to change a few things.

I hated the magnet bite valve / chest strap interface, and the reservoir cap was a bit to bulky for my liking.
Swapped the reservoir for a source. Source bite valves are awful so I cut that off and put on a camleback bite valve with the in line on/off valve.

Also planning to completely swap out the chest strap and sew in a zipper on one of the hipbelt pockets. great pack otherwise. I'm a pack whore always looking for the ideal pack. My second favorite, and an old friend, is the Deuter EXP 8, which i believe Deuter replaced with an alternate model.

I really like the Osprey Raptor. They come in different sizes so they fit better. It doesn't bounce or move. The one grip I have is the chest strap doesn't stay tight but I fixed that with a plastic clip.

+1 on everything! Changed from a CB to the Raptor and LOVE it -- cept for the chest strap that stays loose -- but since I hang my camera from that it works great!

Well, I just ordered a Dakine Nomad. My Deuter is 800 cc, so the Nomad is about 50% larger. Maybe I'll be able to rummage around the bottom more easily.

I too switched from the Mule - too small once you start throwing in layers of clothing to ride in CO weather ... and forget about tring to get a full size camera in there.

I have been using the Dakine Apex for 2 years now - much better. Larger than the Nomad, but with similar features. I love the stow-away straps at the bottom for carrying my knee/shin and elbow/forearm pads while climbing. Keeps the pads out of the way and comfortable while not using up all of your cargo room.

One thing on the Dakine packs is that the bladder that came with it leaked. Switched it out to a 100 oz CB bladder and it's much better.

I have the Splitback for short local rides and the Hyper 2.5 for the longer rides. They are both very comfortable.

My one complaint about the Hyper is that when you load up the "wings" the pack gets very wide and seems to catch more on trees/branches/bushes and hooks on the seat when hike-a-biking. Other than that, it does carry a surprising amount of gear very low on your back. However, I'm looking at replacing the Hyper with the Osprey Raptor.

You guys having problems with your chest straps on the Raptors. It is a known issue and if you contact Osprey or a dealer they should be able to replace them with a better strap for you.

Otherwise, I think the Raptors are by far the best bike Hydration pack on the market. The bladder doesn't bulge into your back and it slides in and out much easier than the Camelbacks. It's just a better interface.

I used a blowfish for years and still like the expandable capacity for longer rides.

I have a Mule but WAY prefer my wife's Deuter EXP8. The space in the Deuter is much more functional and the bladder is great.

yup, Deuter uses the Source bladders. Way cool with the fold/slide closure. If i'm not misaken that is a patented closure. I agree the EXP is a great pack.
FYI, the tube has the same (or close enough) internal diameter as the camelback lines. So if you're interested you can cut off the shapoopy source bite valve and replace it with a camleback - WAY worth the 5 bucks or so for the new shut off / bite valve.

I just ordered an Osprey Raptor a few days ago. I am excited to give it a try. I have had my CB HAWG since the late 90's and its held up well but I have really started to feel some lower back pain and I am thinking it might be the issue. At least that is what I am telling myself to justify buying a new pack. I am planning on putting a good coat of Nikwax on it to keep all the goodies inside dry. I asked an Osprey rep and he said that the material is only slightly water resistant.

+1 Dakine Nomad. Large 3L capacity with room for just about anything else you need. Inserts on back of pack keep it lifted from your back for air flow. Elastic on chest strap is nice. able to cinch it down tight and compress the contents. You don't notice the weight after the first few rides.

I'm just really hoping that Dakine has the storage accessibility thing sorted. That seems to be the major drawback to most packs. You get a lot of room, but it's way too difficult to utilize all the space because of the actual dimensions. I mean, how do they expect you to stuff clothes into a 6" diameter hole, even if it is 18" deep?